The music industry is witnessing a seismic shift as major record labels, once fearful of artificial intelligence, now embrace the technology through partnerships with AI music platforms. Companies like Udio, Suno, and Klay allow users to generate new music based on existing artists' work, sparking both excitement and deep concern among musicians.
AI-generated music has already made mainstream waves: the wholly AI act Velvet Sundown generated millions of streams, AI tracks topped Spotify's viral chart and a US Billboard country chart, and an AI 'artist' signed a record deal. BBC Introducing played an AI-generated song, and dance act Haven faced accusations of using AI to imitate British vocalist Jorja Smith on their track 'I Run', which climbed the UK Top 20.
Artists worry that AI will absorb all creative works and produce endless slop, replacing human-made art and driving musicians into poverty. The Recording Industry Association of America initially sued AI companies Suno and Udio for copyright infringement, alleging unauthorised training on label artists. However, Universal Music Group later partnered with Udio, and Warner Music Group with both Udio and Suno. Sony Music joined Klay, the first AI company to sign all three major labels.
Warner Music chief Robert Kyncl hailed the deals as ensuring 'protection of the rights of our artists and songwriters' and fuelling 'new creative and commercial possibilities'. Universal chief Lucien Grainge envisioned 'a healthy commercial AI ecosystem'. Udio's CEO Andrew Sanchez said users will be able to 'create with an artist's voice and style' and 'remix and reimagine your favourite songs with AI'. Klay's founder Ary Attie promised proper compensation for artists and said the technology 'is not going to supplant the work of human musicians'.
Gregor Pryor, a managing partner at law firm Reed Smith, warned that background music for advertising, films, and video games will be hit first: 'People will ask: why would I pay anyone to compose anything?' The deals signal a future where fans co-create music with their favourite artists, but many musicians remain deeply uneasy about the implications for their livelihoods and the value of human creativity.
